In Confident Mood

The Reds head to Bramall Lane 16 games unbeaten but, if they’re to preserve their scintillating run, they’ll have to stave off the threat of a Blades side which has already dumped Aston Villa and Fulham out of this season’s competition.

Speaking to Forest Player ahead of the match, the Reds boss said: “We’ll prepare the best we can. We’ll analyse the opposition closely and encourage our players to carry on what they’ve been doing. We want them to continue to demonstrate the confidence they’ve shown recently.”

With inclement weather hitting the headlines, steps have been taken to completely cover the Bramall Lane pitch to avoid the threat of postponement.

And the wet, blustery conditions will only serve to add to what the manager expects will be a typical cup tie.

He said: “Every cup game is a leveller, a one-off fixture. I don’t look too much into our opponents’ league position. It’s all about who wants it the most and who plays the best on the day.

“On Sunday we’ve got to go and show that, irrespective of the conditions, we’re the ones playing with very good confidence and we’re the ones who will do all they can to get their name in the hat for the next round.”